The derelict Red Star Parcels building has been demolished at Dorchester South station.

Red Star Parcels was a service which used passenger trains for transporting parcels between railway stations across the UK, but the building in Dorchester has remained disused for several years.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has hailed demolition of the "eyesore" building as a major step forward in his campaign to regenerate the station.

He said: "Little over a week ago I challenged South Western Railway and Network Rail to finally take down the eyesore that for too long has been blighting the area and attracting anti-social behaviour, and have been making these clear arguments for many months."

The local MP has been campaigning for improvements to Dorchester South station, including the need to boost the accessibility of the platforms to elderly and disabled rail users, mentioning the station frequently during his many appearances in the House of Commons.

He added: "I am working hard to ensure the station, and the rail line more widely, attracts the strategic ambition and the resources it needs. This is why I am backing the funding bid for a lift at the station, and why I have for so long called for the demolition of the derelict parcel building which has been dragging the appearance of the station down for years.

"This weekend marks a sure sign that this message is being heard loud and clear by the railways, and a hopeful indication on future progress."